Hartford Symphony Orchestra Musicians Sign 2-Year Pact

The contract was negotiated by representatives from the HSO staff, board of directors, the orchestra committee, and American Federation of Musicians Local 400.

Leading the talks were Orchestra Committee Chair Edward "Rick" Rozie, President & CEO Kristen Phillips and Joe Messina, President of American Federation of Musicians Local 400.

"The Symphony and the musicians were respectful of each others' needs and came to a mutually agreeable solution that will allow the organization to move forward and grow. This is the essence of collective bargaining, reasonable people sitting down to listen to each other's needs and desires in order to reach a reasonable contract agreement," said Messina in a statement.

"Having a two-year musicians' contract in place will provide our new Music Director Carolyn Kuan with a solid and stable foundation on which to start this fall," said Phillips.

"The entire negotiations process was collaborative, productive, and collegial, with all sides trying to identify win-win solutions for everyone involved," said Phillips in a statement, "particularly recognizing the HSO's continuing financial challenges," she added.

Rosie, who is also principal bassist added: "In this time when people relentlessly pursue self-serving agendas and compromise is seen as a form of weakness, both management and labor have shown that the better way is to work together to secure a dynamic and solid future for all. However, our work is not done. The arts are under attack in our country. Our job will be to continue to show the public the necessity of keeping the arts in our lives. A thriving community includes the arts and educational opportunities."